Change isn’t optional in manufacturing. But making change stick is.
Janet Bellamy (National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln) joins us to break down the people and technology blockers that stall progress and how to overcome them with clear expectations, co-design, and quick wins the shop floor can feel.
Highlights:
Reduce friction with a single, simple operator experience
Map the real process across roles to expose hidden work
Deal with interoperability early; plan for access to data, not just APIs
Earn trust with visible gains (e.g., energy savings from compressor/defrost tuning)
Look ahead: targeted digitalization, real-time data, and practical AI where it helps
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Questions or ideas: marcom@factbird.com
In this episode of Factbird’s Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we sit down with Luke Savage to explore his journey from leadership consulting in factories to helping manufacturers succeed with digital tools like Factbird.
Luke shares why traditional paper-based processes often create more burden than value, how cultural differences shape digital transformation, and what leaders can do today to get teams aligned and engaged. He also explains why empathy is essential in driving adoption and how simple digital tools can improve performance while making work more rewarding on the shop floor.
Topics covered in this episode:
The shift from consulting to software in manufacturing
Why paper-based systems fail on the shop floor
Regional differences in celebrating success
Common challenges with introducing new technology
Practical advice for manufacturing leaders
The role of AI and human engagement in the future
Listen now to learn how manufacturers can move from analog overload to digital simplicity.
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, we sit down with Andrew Jarrells, Head of North America at Factbird, to explore how food and beverage manufacturers can reduce waste, boost efficiency, and make smarter decisions.
We cover:
What counts as “waste” and why it’s more than just product loss
The growing pressure from ESG, energy costs, and consumer demand
How to track food waste more accurately with real-time data
Small but powerful fixes, from compressors to vision systems
Why digital visibility is now a must-have for operational resilience
Would you like to skip to the solution? Check out Factbird’s Production Insights app which helps teams reduce waste, improve OEE, and make decisions based on real-time, reliable data.
If you’re on a journey to become a smart factory, or just a smarter one, connectivity is essential. As you connect more machines, sensors, and systems, you need a reliable way to get data from the shop floor to the people and tools that can use it.
That’s where cellular IoT comes in. It’s a practical solution already helping manufacturers monitor equipment, track assets, and make better decisions in real time.
We spoke with Esben at Onomondo, a global cellular infrastructure provider, to understand why cellular IoT is gaining traction and how manufacturers can use it to build more agile, more connected operations.
In this episode of Factbird's Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we explore the key trends that will impact manufacturing shop floors in 2025 and beyond.
Your host, Michael Bosson, sat down with Søren Schønnemann, CEO of Factbird, to discuss how macro-level risks and challenges are shaping the future of manufacturing.
We cover:
Geopolitical uncertainties affecting supply chains and market stability
👷 Aging workforces and the resulting skill gaps in manufacturing
🔒 Cybersecurity threats arising from rapid technological deployment
🌱 Sustainability and ESG concerns driving new regulations and strategies
⚙️ Staying competitive in a rapidly changing market environment
🤖 Exploration of AI and Machine Learning in manufacturing operations
And real advice on how to navigate this challenging manufacturing environment.
This episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the future of manufacturing and position your operations for success.
In this episode of Factbird's Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we dive into the crucial factors to consider when purchasing manufacturing sensors.
David Pavone, an expert in sensor technology, discusses how choosing the right sensors can have a big impact on your production efficiency and bottom line.
David shares insights on balancing cost and performance, considerations around environmental conditions, handling harsh production environments, and real-world examples.
This episode is packed with practical advice to help you make informed decisions when selecting sensors for your operations.
You can read the full article and explore more episodes at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of Factbird's Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we explore the essential role of condition monitoring in modern manufacturing with insights from Sterre, Factbird’s Account Manager for BeNeLux.
Condition monitoring is more than maintenance; it’s about actively tracking production conditions like temperature, humidity, and vibration to ensure product quality and prevent waste. Sterre explains how monitoring upstream processes can enhance quality control, optimize resource use, and support sustainable production goals.
Tune in to learn how manufacturers can overcome common challenges in implementing condition monitoring, from integrating with older equipment to breaking down data silos. This episode is packed with practical advice for companies looking to boost efficiency and improve their bottom line.
You can read the full article and explore more episodes at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of Factbird's Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we sit down with Adrienne, Customer Success Manager at Factbird, to discuss the pivotal role customer success plays in helping manufacturers implement and fully integrate new software for long-term success.
Adrienne shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges during manufacturing software implementation, driving team-wide adoption, and navigating change management in the fast-paced manufacturing industry. She discusses how building strategic partnerships turns software tools into catalysts for growth.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge from an expert dedicated to enhancing manufacturing operations through effective customer success strategies.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, we talk with Benjamin Ravn, Plant Director at Albani/Royal Unibrew, about implementing sustainable change in the manufacturing industry for long-term success.
Benjamin shares how focusing on leadership alignment, behavior and engagement, and learning and development can transform your organization. He also discusses how leveraging safety, quality, performance management, and strategic maintenance can drive meaningful change.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leader who is actively making a difference in the industry.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Finn Hunneche, co-founder of Emendo Consulting and Factbird, discusses how manufacturing can benefit from human intelligence.
He investigates how factories should be more human-like in their ability to sense and act. Finn compares this to "developing an immune system for a company." In effect, fighting off problems as they arise or, at the very least, raising the temperature to make you aware of them.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, we explore the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology and the critical role of structured continuous improvement in manufacturing.
As the manufacturers face increasing demands for quality, cost efficiency, and operational excellence, having a robust framework for improvement is essential.
Join us as we speak with Dino, an expert in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma Black Belt, who shares his insights on the PDCA framework. Dino explains how PDCA can help organizations systematically tackle challenges, drive meaningful improvements, and sustain long-term success.
You can read the full article about this episode and learn more about PDCA at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, we dive into the importance of resilience in manufacturing. As supply chain disruptions and cost management pressures continue to challenge the industry, ensuring your manufacturing processes are resilient has never been more crucial.
Join us as we talk to Kenneth Ranzau from Omron, a company at the forefront of automation and flexible manufacturing. Kenneth shares his insights on what resilience in manufacturing means, why it’s important, and how to achieve it through effective use of data.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, we explore the crucial role of production data in modern manufacturing. With supply chain disruptions, cost pressures, and the need to stay competitive, understanding what happens on the factory floor through production data has never been more important.
Join us as we talk to Salman, Senior Enterprise Account Manager at Factbird, who shares his extensive experience in production data tracking and analysis. Salman discusses the evolution of production data usage, the benefits of real-time monitoring, and practical steps for leveraging data to optimize manufacturing processes.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of the Manufacturing Matters podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked issue of micro-stops—brief, unplanned downtimes in manufacturing processes. These minor stoppages can add up, leading to significant productivity losses, especially in industries with thin profit margins like packaging and food and beverage production.
Join us as we talk to Tais Roden, Business Development Representative for the UK and Ireland at Factbird, who shares his expertise on detecting and addressing micro-stops. Tais recently discussed manufacturing intelligence at the OMRON Roadshow in the UK, and he brings valuable insights on how to leverage technology to track and reduce these interruptions.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
Learn the OEE Uplift Approach, a structured improvement process designed to enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in episode 8 of the Manufacturing Matters podcast. OEE is an important KPI for manufacturers who want to improve their operations using data and a structured method to improve it is vital to see results. Mikkel Rauff Simonsen, who has been working with performance optimization for over 15 years, generously shares his approach to OEE improvement: the OEE Uplift Approach.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
Change management is a topic that comes up time and time again when talking about the implementation of new production monitoring systems.
So in this episode of the Manufacturing Matters Podcast, we delve into the practical strategies for facilitating change management in manufacturing operations. Zoe Karasch, Sales Manager for the DACH region at Factbird, uses her first-hand experience training organizations in OEE systems and production monitoring in general to offer some helpful advice for change management.
Watch this episode to find out about:
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
Discover the 'Highway Solution'—a strategic framework spearheaded by Mikkel Rauff Simonsen at Danish Crown for deploying new production monitoring systems. Learn how it simplifies technology integration and cultural change across international production sites, ensuring consistent implementation of manufacturing intelligence solutions, efficient production monitoring, and ongoing operational improvements.
Dive into our detailed discussion on the five-step framework and its tangible benefits in this valuable podcast episode.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
Implementing manufacturing software like MES, CMMS, ERP, and OEE across multiple sites is complex due to diverse systems and resistance.
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, we talk to Anders Holmenlund, who has years of experience dealing with the challenge of multi-site rollouts of manufacturing software from both the vendor side with Factbird and the manufacturer side with Radiometer.
He recommends starting with pilot programs ("Start slow, scale fast") and using the "PSC" method—People, Standardization, and Continuous Improvement—to ensure success. The process involves significant change management, training, and consistency to align operations and maximize efficiency.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In our fourth episode of Manufacturing Matters, I had the opportunity to talk to Finn Hunneche, a smart guy with over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing sector. With all this experience in mind, I asked him what his number one tip for manufacturers is.
Here’s a summary of his answer:
There is more complexity than ever for manufacturing managers
Finn’s advice for manufacturers is to make sure you get the numbers
Start with small pilots, make mistakes, learn, and then expand
Don’t be afraid to conduct experiments; if you do nothing, nothing changes
Effective change requires good communication and buy-in form colleagues
Check out the full episode to get more detailed information on the what, why, and how of getting the numbers.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
In this episode of Manufacturing Matters, we discuss the challenges of sustainable packaging in the manufacturing sector. Machinery adaptation, cost management, material compatibility, and brand impact are all important factors to consider when switching packaging methods. Sterre, Account Executive for BeNeLux at Factbird, joins us as a lean manufacturing expert with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry.
Sterre brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience helping companies increase productivity and reduce costs while navigating the complex terrain of sustainable practices.
You can read the in-depth article about this podcast and more at: https://www.factbird.com/manufacturing-matters-podcast.
